Book Review: Ain't We Got Fun by Emily Chapman and Emily Ann Putzke

 It was never much of an issue for Bess: living contentedly on her family's farm, despite the Depression which loomed around them. But when her older sister Georgiana takes off to New York City to make a fortune and help Papa out, feelings of adventure and wanderlust strike Bess at home. Through their lively letter correspondence, the sisters recount to one another their adventures, surprises, and heartaches, leaving little room for depression. For in a world of such wonder, ain't we got fun?

Splendid! Absolutely splendid. I got this book by advertising for Black Friday book sales. It was the one I was most excited for and it exceeded my expectations. This book was done wonderfully, from the characters, to the writing, even to the cover which was done so well I was immediately attracted to the book.

It was a super long book but it was the perfect length for the story. The fact that 2 authors wrote this book was wonderful, each took a character and in doing so created to unique characters that balanced each other out.

My favorite of the sisters was Bess. She was a wonderful blending of contentment and wanderlust. She was the one who stayed at home, dealt with all the problems there and didn't run off. She was the hero in my book.

Georgiana was very aggravating, but a good character. She was selfish and self-centered. But a perfect depiction of many the young people who run off, all over the world, country, or even their hometown in search of adventure. She was stubborn, arrogant, and in many parts absolutely idiotic! However, she was a true to life character. So many of us are Gi: un-content, foolish, impulsive, un-grateful, brats. And she ends up falling on her face, tripping over her own foolhardy ideas and actions until she has been completely humbled. She was a wonderfully done character.

As to the 2 fella's in this book 3 cheers to them! Won't say too much on the matter but I loved these guys.

The writing felt very welcoming, almost like a Louisa May Alcott-ish for this generation. I applaud the authors on this venture. It was one of the most enjoyable things I have read. Definitely 5 stars!

Black Friday Book Sales

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone and right now you are probably sitting on the couch with the carb hangover and are wondering how you managed to consume so much after making the annual resolution to, "never eat so much again". But don't worry, Black Friday is here! And as you frantically shop you can work off Thanksgiving dinner. But for those of you who managed to restrain yourself from a third piece of pie, there is an easier way to do your Black Friday shopping. How? Book sales! To get you in the book buying mood, I have narrowed down 5 books that I am thankful to have read this year. 

1. The Kings Scrolls, by Jaye L. Knight: A great addition to Ilyon Chronicles. The writing was still superb and the characters as charming and heart tugging as ever.                                             
2. Hebbros, by Nicole Sager: Oh my goodness! This was definitely my favorite read of the year. There was such depth of characters, plot, faith, and the writing was done explicitly. This book was so inspiring to me. It was done so well, the points gotten across so successfully, everything about this book brought me to new levels in even in how I thought about writing. I am glad that I read this book, it has brought me to new levels.                                                                            
3. Orphan Song, by Gillian Bronte Adams: This book was full on fantasy and while I couldn't read such zealous fantasy all the time, it was quite an enjoyable read.                                                       
4. It Took a War, by Emily Ann Putzke: While this book was not long at all it was moving. I like that the author didn't even mess with the who was right and who was wrong part of the Civil War, but instead how it affected the people.                                                                                            
5. The Follower, by C. F. Barrows: This book was incredible, the truths that the author wove into this book were great. And the spiritual aspects were unlike anything I have read before.

I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to another great year of reading! Speaking of more reading, here's one more thing to be grateful for. Books on sale! In honor of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, a group of independent Christian authors banded together to offer over seventy discounted books on Nov 27-30. There's literally something for everyone. Every single book listed on Indie Christian Books is on sale in one or more ways. Find discounted paperbacks, dozens of books offered with free shipping, $0.99 ebooks, package deals and more. Even if you have a budget of $0, new reading material awaits you. Don't know what to pick? The fearless Indie Christian Books team created a quiz that will generate a book list perfect for you! Check it out!

What awesome reads of 2015 are you grateful for? What books are you looking forward to reading in 2016?

A note on the Ebooks Only page. All books are listed as "Sold Out." This only refers to paperback copies of these titles. Please click onto the product pages to find descriptions and links to discounted or free ebooks.

Acknowledgements: Thanks to Leah E. Good for her work organizing this sale, Gloria Repp for completing the time consuming job of uploading book info to the sale website, and Hannah Mills for her fantastic design work on the website graphics. Hannah can be contacted at hmills(at)omorecollege(dot)edu for more information about her design services.

What Superheroes Replace

     Don't get me wrong. I love superheroes. I love Marvel movies. I love the whole team of Avengers-not to mention those you see in some of the Avengers' personal movies. I don't think it's wrong to watch these movies. But I have a question for you. Why have we created superheroes? The answer is simple. We humans can't rescue ourselves; we need a Savior. Sound familiar?

     Even though the secular world hasn't accepted Christ, for millenniums humans have recognized that we can't save ourselves. We need heroes. People have built idols, because of the inborn knowledge that there has to be someone greater than us.

     This has inspired superheroes. Essentially, they are a substitute for God. The secular world, while denying the importance of Christ, knows we aren't enough. They have created heroes-people or aliens who are more powerful than us.

      Remember in The Avengers how there was an ongoing disagreement between Cap and Iron Man about making the hard choice, the sacrifice? Even in a secular movie, in a world that "doesn't need God" because there are heroes, there is a parallel to Jesus. Iron Man was willing to sacrifice himself to save a city full of people. Yet again, in The Avengers: Age of Ultron, there was a sacrifice. Quicksilver gave his life to save Hawkeye and the child. Even though this wasn't as close of a parallel, I find it significant that people all over the world subconsciously know the need for a sacrifice.

      So, why have humans created superheroes? Because we, as humans, have an inborn knowledge that a sacrifice is needed to save us. Truly, all the superheroes in the movies have had to make some sort of mental, physical, or ultimate sacrifice. Superheroes have been put in Jesus's place.

      I don't think a watching superhero movie is wrong. I don't think making superhero movies is wrong. But I think it's important to keep in mind that Jesus is our ultimate superhero. As great as the superheroes are in movies, they are fictional. He is real.

Book Review: Brothers and Betrayal by Sarah Holman

A boy, running for his life

A princess, trying to save her people 

And an archer who seeks to defend the defenseless 

Bryon, after witnessing his brother’s murder, takes his sisters and flees into the woods to a mysterious figure known as The Archer who lives there. But though he finds temporary safety, bitterness threatens his heart. 

Brianna only wants to help the people of Taelis, but her father, the king, seems bent on making life hard for all of them. She works tirelessly to save the kingdom from war, while secretly helping The Archer. 

Join the adventure in...Brothers and Betrayal

     So I reviewed the first book in the Taelis series and gave it about 3 stars. The second book in the series was much improved. This, I believe, is something that any writer would be glad to hear.

     The plot was much improved and quite enjoyable, the points the author was trying to get across were done well. This was a book I would read again.

     The characters were like able and easy to connect to. My favorite had to be Brianna, though I liked the others as well. What I didn't like is that The Archer was inconsistent. He was supposed to be this really Godly, father figure type of person. And he was but in some respects, but at the same time he was cocky and prideful when it came to the whole Robin Hood plot line. There were times when he was full of it, but then there were other times when he was super humble. 

     

     I did not like that he used fear as a weapon, it wasn't ethical. Yet he wouldn't allow killing, even if needed to keep someone else alive. 

     So there were some inconsistencies, and not everything was perfect but she definitely had improved herself. A solid 4 stars!

Who You Are in Christ

I am faithful (Ephesians 1:1) I am God's child (John 1:12) I have been justified (Romans 5:1) I am Christ's friend (John 15:15) I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20) I am a member of Christ's Body (1 Corinthians 12:27) I am assured all things work together for good (Romans 8:28) I have been established, anointed and sealed by God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22) I am confident that God will perfect the work He has begun in me (Philippians 1:6) I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20) I am hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3) I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline  (2 Timothy 1:7) I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18) I am blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3) I am chosen before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4, 11) I am holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4) I am adopted as his child (Ephesians 1:5) I am given God's glorious grace lavishly and without restriction (Ephesians 1:5,8) I am in Him (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:30) I have redemption (Ephesians 1:8) I am forgiven (Ephesians 1:8; Colossians 1:14) I have purpose (Ephesians 1:9 & 3:11) I have hope (Ephesians 1:12) I am included (Ephesians 1:13) I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) I am a saint (Ephesians 1:18) I am salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14) I have been chosen and God desires me to bear fruit (John 15:1,5) I am a personal witness of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8) I am God's coworker (2 Corinthians 6:1) I am a minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-20) I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5) I am raised up with Christ (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12) I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6) I have been shown the incomparable riches of God's grace (Ephesians 2:7) God has expressed His kindness to me (Ephesians 2:7) I am God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10) I have been brought near to God through Christ's blood (Ephesians 2:13) I have peace (Ephesians 2:14) I have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18) I am a member of God's household (Ephesians 2:19) I am secure (Ephesians 2:20) I am a holy temple (Ephesians 2:21; 1 Corinthians 6:19) I am a dwelling for the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:22) I share in the promise of Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6) God's power works through me (Ephesians 3:7) I can approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12) I know there is a purpose for my sufferings (Ephesians 3:13) I can grasp how wide, long, high and deep Christ's love is (Ephesians 3:18) I am completed by God (Ephesians 3:19) I can bring glory to God (Ephesians 3:21) I have been called (Ephesians 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:9) I can be humble, gentle, patient and lovingly tolerant of others (Ephesians 4:2) I can mature spiritually (Ephesians 4:15) I can be certain of God's truths and the lifestyle which He has called me to  (Ephesians 4:17) I can have a new attitude and a new lifestyle (Ephesians 4:21-32) I can be kind and compassionate to others (Ephesians 4:32) I can forgive others (Ephesians 4:32) I am a light to others, and can exhibit goodness, righteousness and truth  (Ephesians 5:8-9) I can understand what God's will is (Ephesians 5:17) I can give thanks for everything (Ephesians 5:20) I don't have to always have my own agenda (Ephesians 5:21) I can honor God through marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33) I can parent my children with composure (Ephesians 6:4) I can be strong (Ephesians 6:10) I have God's power (Ephesians 6:10) I can stand firm in the day of evil (Ephesians 6:13) I am dead to sin (Romans 1:12) I am not alone (Hebrews 13:5) I am growing (Colossians 2:7) I am His disciple (John 13:15) I am prayed for by Jesus Christ (John 17:20-23) I am united with other believers (John 17:20-23) I am not in want (Philippians 4:19) I possess the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16) I am promised eternal life (John 6:47) I am promised a full life (John 10:10) I am victorious (I John 5:4) My heart and mind is protected with God's peace (Philippians 4:7) I am chosen and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12) I am blameless (I Corinthians 1:8) I am set free (Romans 8:2; John 8:32) I am crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20) I am a light in the world (Matthew 5:14) I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37) I am the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21) I am safe (I John 5:18) I am part of God's kingdom (Revelation 1:6) I am healed from sin (I Peter 2:24) I am no longer condemned (Romans 8:1, 2) I am not helpless (Philippians 4:13) I am overcoming (I John 4:4) I am persevering (Philippians 3:14) I am protected (John 10:28) I am born again (I Peter 1:23) I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) I am delivered (Colossians 1:13) I am redeemed from the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13) I am qualified to share in His inheritance (Colossians 1:12) I am victorious (1 Corinthians 15:57)

My Journey to Writing

     I am a writer. I have been since I was seven and entered in a short story contest. It was probably only 290 words long. Only a few paragraphs, I had taken the time to think out a story, type it up, and edit it. It took me a few days. But the story was mine, and I couldn't have been prouder.

      When I  was nine I rewrote a new version of my first story. It was 1,300 words long and I was amazed at how much I liked it. I wrote two more stories independently, and several others for school.

     When I was ten or eleven I got a book called Story Starters, this was one of the best things that could have happened to me. It gradually helped me to increase my skill in writing and before I knew it I was pretty good at writing.

      At the same time I was beginning to read more types of books. I had always loved to read but I began spreading out in what genre's I was reading. I read the Pirates and Faith Series, and liked it. I read Radialloy from the Firmament series and liked those too. Then I read my first fantasy book. Truth from the Makilien Trilogy. My mind was literally blown. I had never read fantasy, (unless you think of the Narnia books as fantasy, I tend to think of them as more fairytale-ish.) I liked it so much I read the book for six hours straight and finished it a few days later. Very rapidly I finished the rest of the series. I had never liked any books so much. The Makilien Trilogy set off my desire to write. For years I had liked to write but I had always thought being a writer would be boring. Without realizing it for years I had been growing in and nurturing my writing, but the Makilien Trilogy set off my conscious desire to write.

Then, last year ago, I decided to participate in Jr. NaNoWriMo. From June to November I developed my ideas and cultures in my journal. When November came I jumped in head first. With help from cranberries covered in chocolate and LOTR's movies I wrote 30,003 words. I had a nearly a third of a novel written.

     Ever since I have worked on and off on my book. Added and additional 10,000 words over weekends and evenings. I have tons more ideas, plot twists, and character developments. I have ideas for a whole series and even since last November have grown in my writing. I am planning on doing NaNoWriMo again, only this time I am going to try 50,000 words.

      One thing I am realizing  as I recap my journey to writing is that God was working in my writing even before I realized I wanted to write. I am a writer. I like to tell stories, why? Because when you write stories, when care deeply about them, you put yourself into the stories. When other's read those stories they relate to them in some way or another. They can feel you in the stories. Stories are like magic, they work in peoples hearts, sometimes without the person even knowing it. When I write, I create my own world. I have the ability to put in subtle or loud messages. I have the power to connect with a person's heart. That, in my opinion, is one of the most powerful thing in the world. Someone who can connect with one of the deepest parts of you is someone who can change the world.

      This is my journey. In life and writing I am growing, maturing, and becoming more of what I need to be.  If you take a look at your own journey you may find that there was more going on than you thought. ~Soli Deo Gloria.